New England Patriots

Could the Patriots Be Interested in Signing Johnny Manziel?

Are the New England Patriots interested in signing troubled quarterback Johnny Manziel?

It's too soon to say, but ESPN is reporting that the Patriots were among about a dozen teams that sent scouts to watch Manziel throw at Thursday's pro day at the University of San Diego.

After trading Jimmy Garoppolo to the San Francisco 49ers, the Patriots could use an infusion of youth at the position behind 40-year-old Tom Brady. Those in attendance told ESPN that Manziel looked good, connecting on 36 of his 38 passes.

Manziel, who was drafted in the first round by the Cleveland Browns in 2014, has been out of football since the Browns released him in 2016 following allegations of domestic violence and alcohol abuse. He spoke to "Good Morning America" last month about his struggles with alcohol and said he has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

"I feel like I'm throwing the ball close to where I'm going to be if I were to get into a training camp," Manziel said following Thursday's pro day. "I feel like my head's on right.

"If people get a chance to be around me and sit down and get a chance to see where I'm at, maybe they'll see something different than in the past," he said. "Maybe I won't come off as entitled or arrogant or cocky or whatever it might have been in the past that rubbed people the wrong way."

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